How The Sparks Begin

Chapter 18

I watched him go. For some reason, I stood and ran after him.But he was gone.

I felt bad.. I don't even know why I do. I squatted on the floor, Geraldine..What's wrong with you?

"Hey..you alright?" Travis offered his hand. Oh. He is awake.

"Yeah..I am." I smiled and took his hand. He helped me up. "Thank you."

"Naw. It's nothing." He chuckled. I started laughing, he made the atmosphere so light for me.

We walked home together. It seems like he lived nearby.

"You live around here?" I turned to him. "Yeah..Just a few blocks down the road." He looked up to me.

"Okay.. Bye Travis." I laughed and started to walk towards the door.

"Hey Geraldine!" He called out. "Yes?" I turned around once more. "Can I walk with you to school tomorrow? "

I laughed,"Sure." He laughed back and waved. I shot him a last glance before heading inside.

I was smiling to myself as I walked in."Hey Dad! Liz!"

"Hey Kiddo. Who's that?" Dad smiled. "Huh? What do you mean?" I asked as I removed my shoes. "Don't play dumb with me Girl. I saw him. The guy who walked you home." He continued with a smirk on his face.

"He's Travis." I answered bluntly. "Which is your?" Liz cut in.

"Friend." I walked to my room. "Okays."

Dad and Liz laughed.

I closed the door and lied on the bed. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. My life for some reason feels like hell. But I caused that to happen.

What was I doing?

*********************************

I woke that morning still feeling tired. I sighed as I walked to the bathroom. I washed my face and then I stared at the mirror.

I looked down to my hair. It's already longer than before. Soon I'll have long hair again. And probably I will .. Stop. Short hair or not, I will be okay. I have Erika. Elizabeth. Joseph. Travis and Emmanuel at my side.

I brushed my teeth and changed into my clothes.

"Morning Dad. Where's Liz?" I asked him while looking around for Liz.

"Hey Geraldine. Liz just went for a jog. She's feeling better so I think it won't be long before she goes back to college." Dad drank his coffee.

"Okays." I drank a glass of milk and headed for the door. "Bye Dad."

"Bye. Enjoy yourself." Dad smiled.

Travis was there. I walked towards him.

"What are you doing here?" He rolled his eyes,"Remember I asked you yesterday if we could walk to school together everyday?"

"Oh Right. Sorry. Let's go" I smiled. He nodded. As we walked, we talked about many things again. It's like we could never stop.

I was getting to know more about Travis at the same time I started to take a liking to him. He's very fun and frank. I was so blessed to have met him too.

Erika and Elizabeth were already there. They were standing at the usual place with both their boyfriends at the side. Boyfriends..huh? Sigh.

"Hey Guys!" I smiled and ran towards them. "Hey Geraldine! You're here!" Erika exclaimed.

Travis was next to me. " Oh you're here too. Travis." Erika smiled. Travis gave her a smile.

My eyes moved to Emmanuel. He was looking downwards. I felt my heart ache. Then. He looked at me. Our eyes met.

I turned away. My face was getting red.But I couldn't help myself and I looked at him again.

I wanted to know more about Emmanuel. I wanted to help him. I wanted to love him. Yet..I can't.

"Geraldine!" Travis placed his hands on my shoulder."Let's go to class first!"

I nodded and turned to Erika and the rest. "Bye ..see you later."

As I walked with Travis, I turned again to look at Emmanuel. He wasn't facing me now. And I faced the front again to walk to class.

"Geraldine." Travis stopped walking. I look at him." What's wrong? Are you okay?"

He looked at me." Is there someone you like?"

I blinked twice. " What?"

"And that person is Emmanuel isn't it?" He continued.

I stared at him in horror. "W-w-what makes you say that?"

"I can tell. I saw what was going on between you and that guy earlier." He replied.

"Oh Travis." I sighed.

"You know..he is Erika's boyfriend and yet.."

"Yes I know that!" I started crying. "I know that..Travis. I am well aware of that. That's why I can't do anything. Do you get it?"

Travis looked at me. Tears were flowing down my cheeks already.

"I'm sorr-"

"Geraldine." Travis pulled me into a hug. I hugged him back.

"Geraldine. That must be hard for you. Really hard. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you feel this way. I'm here alright? I don't have the right solution on what should be done. But rely on me." He whispered.

I nodded," Thank you..Travis. I'm sorry. You're a good friend."

He smiled."Shhh...no need for the apology."

He let go off me and wiped away my tears."It's alright. I'm gonna be here for you. I know we have just met. But I feel that my fate is tied to yours."

I smiled. I don't deserve all this. But is it okay for me to give in just this time?

Just once.

-To be continued